The Tourism Alliance has set out 10 initiatives that the government could implement that would generate £11.6 billion for the economy.
The trade organisation said each of the policies would boost tourism and help the UK economy recover from Covid and the cost-of-living crisis.
Richard Toomer, Tourism Alliance executive director, said the sector already generates £31 billion a year in export earnings and employs 3.4 million people.
“Tourism is well-placed to help the UK economy recover and grow in 2023,” he said.
“UK tourism is a huge success story, and we can and should build on it.
“Our policy suggestions published today outline 10 opportunities where we can drive prosperity and revenue amounting to £11 billion per year – many of these are either at no cost to the Treasury or would in fact generate more money for the public purse.
“Encouraging more tourists to come to the UK to experience our world-class destinations, our culture and heritage, and our hospitality and attractions, should be a no-brainer. It helps businesses and employees in every part of the UK.”
He added: “There are big and small things the government can do to encourage tourism such as tackling our uncompetitive visa regime, reinstituting the VAT reclaim scheme so that foreign tourists are encouraged to spend in our stores, and tackling the massive downturn in youth and student group travel by instituting a new regime for checking their identity at the border.
“We are determined that tourism will play a key role in the country’s economic recovery, and the government can help make the most of the opportunities ahead by adopting these policy suggestions.”
The 10 policies are:
- Introduce a Youth Group Travel Scheme for EU student groups
- Increase funding for international marketing
- Introduce a low-cost five-year visitor visa
- Reinstate the VAT Reclaim Scheme
- Revise the Package Travel Regulations
- Fully implement the De Bois Review into the structure and funding of subnational tourism delivery in England
- Expand and reform the Youth Mobility Scheme
- Reduce the VAT rate for hospitality and attractions
- Use Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) to boost business tourism
- Reform business rates